can any one tell me please how to tell if a dog is prego? I have a bitch (toy breed) and she is 20 months and i just noticed that she is in heat and took her away from her "boyfriend". what kind of signs should i look for?

if she lives in the home you would notise more or less strightway so she probly asnt mated with him , but id go to the vets and get her the jab sorry dont know what its called!!
it will stop her from having any pups this time ....some one will be along to explain better to you soon im sure .

I would take her to the vets, explain what has happened and get the injection (again I do not know what it is called). From what I have learned there are not really any signs of pregnancy this early, no real outward signs until 4-5 weeks. I think that the pregnancy test relaxin only works from day 28ish... (If memory serves me but I may be wrong on the exact number of days it works after)

An good investment would be 'Book of the Bitch', this has it all in it, it is my bible!!!! - my copy is at work otherwise I would consult it to let you know what the injection is called.

All the best and let us know how you go! Sorry I am not much more use to you. Someone else may be along later that may be able to expand further on this. I have never been in this situation so I have never had to worry about unwanted pregnancy (I am not being rude, just explaining why I have no further advice for you) :-)

no it is fine if she is prego we dont mind now that she is old enough! we just wanted to wait one more heat but if she is prg. its ok!! thank you all so much!!

Hi,

I brought my book of the bitch home and it basically says that you have two options: 1) let the pregnancy continue 2) have the bitch spayed which will involve the removal of the uterus and foetuses. However, I know there is an injection.

According to 'The complete book of dog breeding' (Dan Rice DVM) There are three options when a termination is being considered. 1) Estrogen administraion - Estradiol, Dan Rice is of the opinion that the risks involved do not support its use. 2) Prostaglandin - removal of progesterone source which basically causes the bitch to abort or 3) spaying.

But, this is all from books, I am no vet and I seriously urge you to go and discuss this with your vet if you are concerned that a mating may have occured without your knowledge. Generally from my reading on this the sooner you go and discuss this with your vet the easier it is going to be for it to be resolved and the easier it is going to be on your bitch.

Good luck and again let us know how you get on xxx

Sorry - I just read your post that its fine if she is pregnant. If thats the case, from what I have read, I would let the pregnancy continue. It sounds like the best and kindest option for your bitch. I would only consider the above if she were really young and not old enough to bear a litter, too old or if a dog of a different breed accidently mated. :-)

>no it is fine if she is prego we dont mind now that she is old enough

I'm assuming she's had all the tests required for her breed to limit the possibility of hereditary conditions? (I don't mean a quick check by your GP vet, but possible eye tests, x-rays, MRI scans etc, depending on her breed.) Plus of course the male would need to have these done as well.

& if she is a certain breed she is actually way too young to have puppies :-O

not to mention that due to the credit crunch, even reputable experienced breeders are having trouble selling puppies.

so I'm guessing you will be getting prepared to own a few more dogs for life if you cant find enough takers?